John Towner Williams
*February 8, 1932 (New York)
Father: Johnny Williams (Jazz Drummer)
Mother: Esther Towner
Brothers: Jerry, Don
Sister: Joan
First Wife (married in 1956): Barbara Ruick (died 1974)
Second Wife (married in 1980): Samantha Winslow
Sons: Mark, Joseph
Daughter: Jennifer
Instruments: Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Clarinet
Father: John Francis (Johnny) Williams (1905-1985)
Johnny Williams was an American percussionist from the early 1930s to the late 1950s. In New York and Hollywood, he worked on radio, in films, and as a recording artist. He was the father of film composer and conductor John Williams. Johnny Williams married Esther Towner, a dancer from Boston, in 1929. They had four children, including film composer John Williams.
First wife: Barbara Ruick (1932-1974)
John Williams married Barbara Ruick in 1956. She died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Reno, Nevada, on March 3, 1974, while on location with her last film, Robert Altman’s „California Split“, which is dedicated to her. She had a cameo role as a barmaid. Ruick was found dead in her hotel room at the age of 43.
John and Barbara had three children.
John and Barbara at the premiere of Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969).
Daughter: Jennifer Williams Gruska (*1956)
John Williams and his daughter at the 78th Annual Academy Awards (March 5, 2006).
Eldest son: Mark Towner Williams (*1958)
Mark Towner Williams is a veteran drummer and songwriter since 1976, who has played with Don Henley, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tina Turner, Paul Rodgers, Cher, Air Supply and many others.
Youngest son: Joseph Stanley Willliams (*1960)
Joseph Williams is an American singer, songwriter and film score composer, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Toto from 1986 to 1988 and again since 2010. Outside of Toto, he has worked as a composer and studio vocalist, including providing the singing voice of adult „Simba“ in the 1994 animated Disney film „The Lion King“.
Second wife: Samantha Winslow (married in 1980)
Celebrating John Williams‘ 92nd birthday on Feb 8, 2024.
